6 Superpowers to Help you Build your Business as an Introvert

Research-backed tips to help grow your business if you’re a self-employed introvert.

I am an Introvert. Not the kind whose anti-social.

I love talking to people and interacting. I love being on stage in drama and theatre and singing. But my energy stems from lone-time in my room. Or returning home for my vacation. And my natural comfort levels influence the way I approach my work and writing.

Living in the world of Tony Robbins and Gary Vee, constantly surrounded by the need to project, talk, act enthusiastic, energetic is exhausting. It's hard to love and admire the skill set we bring to the table as introverts. And this is exactly what the book Quiet by Susan Cain helped me appreciate.

As intellectuals, introverts, the “quiet people”, we bring things that are unique, powerful and most importantly gold-mines for the self-employed.

And this is our list of secret superpowers.

№1: Tune In…to Enjoy the Perks of Being a Wallflower:)

I know everyone’s told you to yap and talk about what you do and how you can help your customer. Create more content…make more videos, do more webinars…be part of a million social groups, talk on twitter, Instagram everywhere just talk.

But what's the point???

We’re in a stage where everything is a niche. You, know what sets us introverts apart? We listen. We listen to our customers, we listen to our employees. We listen to the needs of the people we serve. And we give them what they want.

As Sam Ovens, a multimillionaire digital marketer said: “ If you want to serve Suzy lunch, just ask her!”

Don't run campaigns, throw parties or talk to all of Suzy’s friends. We as introverts are the best at this. We can listen to Suzy, while everyone wants to tell Suzy what she needs to do. We can listen and ask Suzy what she wants to do.

№2: Trust is a Must and Nobody Earns it Like the Quiet Kid

Do you remember the quiet kid in your college group, the sheltered one? The one you all loved, may not be party person, may not crack the best jokes or have the best drinking games. But you loved that guy or gal. They were just so loveable! (insert heart emoji and twinkling eyes)

It’s because people who are quiet, seem more genuine.

Susan Cain devoted an entire chapter in her book to this one and called it.

“Franklin was a politician, But Eleanor spoke out of Conscience.”

Franklin Roosevelt was loved, the politician, diplomat, American high society gentleman. But Eleanor was loved more by the people. She was the perfect hostess, quite, formidable, extremely conscientious and genuine.

Now honestly tell me if either of them made a promise to you, to get your work done with absolute certainty. Whose word would you trust more?

Franklin or Eleanor? Choose.

№3: Introverts don’t know how to fake Connection. It's exhausting… I tried.

I am quiet.

I never enjoy small talk or random banter. But nothing beats a conversation in a cab with a stranger or a like-minded person you just met in a cookery workshop. Introverts make connections, fast or slow it doesn't matter. But we make them for life.

Forget all the hunky-dory, “how’s the weather”, “my children are in the same class as yours’…” conversations — when what you connect on is probably your love for the Bible or your favourite childhood TV show. Now that's real.

In a world as fast this. True meaningful connection is not only rare but powerful. As introverts, we very quickly identify our tribe which makes it easy for you to create your community, to find your customer.

Your genuineness and connection are what sets you apart in a world that can’t stop fake smiling and holding free webinars with enough excitement and energy to power a house.

Keep it Real. Keep It Connected.

№4: Learn, Read, Churn, Repeat.

Now with most introverts, we have a huge appetite for learning. I might be generalising this….but hear me out.

Every time we make a choice to spend time by ourselves instead of stepping out into the chaos, we do something.

More often than not — Its to learn. Now, of course, you choose what you learn.

Maybe its about your friend Jessica’s trip to Hawaii on Instagram, or another Medium article or a new recipe in the kitchen. But learning is powerful.

As a freelancer, or entrepreneur that's your golden ticket to the Chocolate Factory. Watch and learn Charlie. Watch and Learn.

Its the only way to get good enough run the factory.

This pandemic, of course, is the perfect time to use your golden ticket. No matter what your business is if you’re home. You have the Introvert’s power.

Learning everything about your business, industry, niche, customer or anything else that you need. It is the most effective technique to grow your business.

To introverts, this comes naturally. So use it!

Learn to Earn.

Simple as that.

№1: Introversion and Empathy

Kind of similar of №2 and №3. But it's just too important to not be mentioned. and it's okay to have two №1’s when they deserve it!

We’re too fast right now. You look at someone’s Instagram and see 5k followers. No big deal! There are people with millions of followers. But every one of those people has an identity.

As introverts, the greatest gift is empathy and recognising and respecting those identities.

Empathy is the single most success determining factor in today’s world, and this is not about your business anymore. You could look at empathy in any way — A greater understanding of your customer…what do they want? What do they like? What do they eat, think, talk about? As an introvert we are observers and listeners we know how to watch, gauge, understand the needs of our audience, our client or business or employees.

Have you ever been shopping and noticed the over-enthusiastic salesman who is bombarding you with ideas…. you’re looking for dresses? Before you know it he’s coming back with 5 in his hand and showing more every 2 minutes. I don’t know about you but I hated it. On the other hand, the quiet waiter asking you what you need, making suggestions based on your tastes and then stepping back. Now that’s the dining experience we’re looking for.

Why?

Because the quiet one develops trust and a respects our space, we live in a world of personalisation, we want it to be for us alone — and nobody can personalise the experience like a person who understands you, who you know cares for you and is there for you.

With changing, sales and marketing trends, social media. Personalisation is more powerful than ever before. And your empathy can help you get there better and faster than anyone else.

Extroverts often have a tendency to be loud and over-friendly. They believe their Energy is their USP and it’s going to make the sale. But for introverts Empathy is your USP, your customer will consider your advice because you’re listening to them and trying to empathise with their needs. You’re not imposing your expectations without listening to theirs.

№6: I’m Sorry Extroverts but we’ll always have better ideas than you.

There’s plenty of research on productivity, creativity, neuroscience ad how we can maximise our creative efficiency.

One of the most effective techniques according to research is to be bored. Now how does that work?

When your brain is less stimulated, which is what most introverts prefer. The brain enters a state called the “default mode”.

Because of its natural relaxed state. It's more creative. Which makes sense doesn't it? Every time you sit back and just do nothing, your brain has the chance to wander. Just think it out, whatever is on your mind. And we introverts do that a lot. Stay in our heads, think, talk to ourselves which helps us get more creative and you’ll never be able to beat that extrovert.

Notice this productivity hack — your best ideas will always come to you when you're thinking, and alone even if you're right in the middle of a crowd.

The greatest creative heads were introverts. Why?

Einstein, Steve Wozniak, Bill Gate what do they have in common.

Yes, Introversion.

Your habits as an introvert, not your wiring. But the habits you’ve created for yourself to respect your peace and quiet. To re-energise is what is boosting your natural creativity.

Of course, this can be developed by anyone. But to introverts, it comes naturally. Our calming, rituals for self, waking up early for a jog, going to the spa, meditating, maintaining a journal. These are powerful ways to boost your creativity.

Nothing can help you be more, unique, creative and effective than your natural introversion.

Enjoy it, cherish it and it's your superpower.

“We can't underestimate the value of silence. We need to create ourselves, spend time alone. If you don't you risk not knowing yourself and not realising your dreams” — Jewel